Spring is nearly here. A palpable shift is in the air, shining through windows as sunbeams. The Earth has transitioned toward a time of balance, rebirth, and renewal, and with it, our bodies follow. As we enter this lush season, we’re exploring ways to balance hormones and support physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
The Spring Equinox - Coming into Balance
The spring or vernal equinox occurs when the sun’s light shines evenly on the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and day and night are equal length. Since time immemorial, this day has been recognized as the beginning of spring.
With the arrival of warmer temperatures, the stored energy in roots begins to rise, mirroring the awakening within ourselves as we gently step out of the dark season. The symbol of rebirth can be seen in the buds that start to burst from branches and the energy that burns a little brighter in our bodies and minds.
Across cultures, the spring equinox holds profound significance. In the beautiful lands of Persia (modern-day Iran and surrounding regions), it marks the start of Nowruz, a celebration of renewal lasting thirteen days, characterized by plentiful haftseen altars, painted eggs, festive meals, and cherished time with friends and family. Similarly, pagan traditions honor Ostara, the Goddess of fertility, renewal, and dawn, with feasts and rituals celebrating nature’s abundance. In India, the vibrant colors of spring are celebrated during Holi, an ancient Hindu festival symbolizing love, renewal, and spring’s arrival.
Harmony Through Hormone Balance
As we contentedly watch the earth flow into another cycle and notice our energy slowly wake from its slumber, you may feel encouraged to check in with your internal balance—particularly your hormones.
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel to organs via the bloodstream and support essential functions like metabolism, development, reproduction, and mood. Some hormones encourage the production of other hormones, while others trigger processes. Hormone levels must be meticulously regulated for the body to remain balanced and adaptable to environmental changes. Some hormone examples include estrogen (female sex hormone), melatonin (sleep hormone), and cortisol (stress hormone).
Given the numerous functions hormones support, imbalance can cause complications, like:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Mood swings
- Thyroid issues
- Acne
- Weight gain or loss
Some may relate to the body’s intentional changes during peri/menopause, where symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness are the result of declining estrogen levels.
Natural Ways to Balance Hormones
A growing body of evidence suggests that seasonal shifts impact our hormones.
In the winter, shorter days and a lack of sunshine affect melatonin levels, cueing low energy and slower movements. Research shows that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are higher during the dark season, meaning thyroid hormone levels are low. This can lead to a slower metabolism and impact cognitive abilities.
As we enter the season of harmony, we’ve been called to use natural ways to balance hormones. These therapeutic techniques can nurture those who have natural imbalances and are gently supporting their hormones into the next season or those who experience hormone imbalance regularly.
Stress Management
From cortisol levels to thyroid and growth hormones, stress is notorious for altering hormone homeostasis. And in a stress-steeped world full of stimulation, it’s nearly impossible to avoid daily stressors.
Some time-tested methods for balancing the stress response include mindfulness and meditation, gentle movement (like slow yoga), adaptogenic herbs, adequate sleep, and frequent self-care.
Quality Sleep
Our bodies have always followed the sun. The circadian rhythm, or internal clock, tells us when we’re tired and alert in response to sunlight. It also triggers hormone release, so when it’s thrown off-kilter, so are our hormones.
Listening to our body's natural energy levels and moving with the sun as much as possible syncs us with our circadian rhythms. Restful, quality sleep sets the body up for optimal hormone functioning and raised vibrations throughout the day.
Gut Health
In the stomach, a healthy bacteria colony (the gut microbiome) supports various functions, like nutrient metabolism, immune support, and mood. These friendly allies are also responsible for keeping the reproductive hormone estrogen balanced.
Nourishing the gut with whole, unprocessed, and pro- and pre-biotic-rich foods keeps the gut microbiome content and functioning properly.
Botanicals that Support Healthy Hormone Levels
Find balance in nature.
Herbs are an accessible, natural way to balance hormones. Some mimic hormone activities, while others support the integrity of hormone-producing glands and encourage them to become more resilient.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Sweet clover covers the ground in pink jewels as it starts to bloom around the equinox. Red clover contains isoflavones, which are “phytoestrogens,” or plant-based estrogen-like constituents. These compounds have an affinity for estrogen receptors and have been known to ease peri/menopausal symptoms by balancing estrogen levels.
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)
Therapeutic mushrooms offer incredible holistic support, especially for nurturing a strong mental, physical, and spiritual foundation. The renowned reishi mushroom, often recognized as the "mushroom of immortality," has long been cherished for its ability to promote longevity and maintain a balanced stress response—in turn supporting stable hormonal rhythms.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Named after its shaggy appearance, lion’s mane mushroom is a powerful supporter of brain health and a balanced stress response. Research shows that incorporating lion’s mane into a daily regimen may help boost mood and soothe stress, suggesting it influences cortisol, the stress hormone.
An Enduring Routine for Hormone Balance
Finding the right hormone support routine can significantly impact your quality of life, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Uniquely crafted to support peri/menopause manifestations and encourage lymph movement, we love weaving our Make & Mary Inner Beauty Tincture into our morning smoothie. Add a dropperful to the blender with a prebiotic-rich banana, and let that balanced soul shine.
The Make & Mary Mush Bliss Elixir is another easy add to those highly-inspired days. With immune- and stress-supporting ingredients like reishi, lion’s mane, and motherwort, one daily dropperful into your warm ritual beverage will infuse you with holistic harmony and give you the timeless confidence to take on the day.
Skip the drink or smoothie! Drop either tincture under the tongue and hold for 15-20 seconds.
Synching with the Seasons
The energy of the spring equinox reminds us of our undeniable connection with the Earth’s cycles. Hormones lie at the root of this bond, appropriately nurturing us as we move through the seasons. While numerous causes can alter the balance of our hormones, using nature's internal and external wisdom can set us on our true path toward bliss.
If you’re interested in other ways to encourage balance throughout the seasons, check out the following posts:
Harmonizing with the Season: Herbalism for Emotional Balance